Actual Exam Questions and Answers
Long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) received a Black Box Warning from the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration due to:
A) Increased risk of severe asthma exacerbations and death
B) Potential for causing cardiac arrhythmias
C) Risk of severe allergic reactions
D) Increased risk of liver toxicity
Correct Answer: A) Increased risk of severe asthma exacerbations and death
Explanation: The FDA issued a Black Box Warning for LABAs due to evidence suggesting an
increased risk of severe asthma exacerbations, potentially leading to hospitalization or death,
particularly when used without an inhaled corticosteroid. This warning emphasizes the need for
combination therapy in asthma management.
Treatment for mild intermittent asthma is:
A) Daily inhaled corticosteroids
B) Short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) as needed
C) Long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) monotherapy
D) Oral leukotriene receptor antagonist daily
Correct Answer: B) Short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) as needed Explanation: Mild
intermittent asthma, characterized by symptoms less than twice weekly and no nighttime
symptoms, is managed with a SABA (e.g., albuterol) for as-needed symptom relief. Daily
medications like inhaled corticosteroids are typically reserved for persistent asthma.
Second-generation antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin) are preferred for seasonal
allergies because they are:
A) More effective at blocking histamine receptors
B) Less sedating than first-generation antihistamines
C) Available only by prescription
, D) Effective for chronic urticaria only
Correct Answer: B) Less sedating than first-generation antihistamines
Explanation: Second-generation antihistamines like loratadine are preferred for seasonal
allergies due to their reduced sedative effects compared to first-generation antihistamines (e.g.,
diphenhydramine). They effectively relieve allergy symptoms with minimal drowsiness.
Patients with a COPD exacerbation may require:
A) Oral corticosteroids and antibiotics
B) Long-acting beta-agonists alone
C) Inhaled corticosteroids as monotherapy
D) Antihistamines for symptom relief
Correct Answer: A) Oral corticosteroids and antibiotics
Explanation: COPD exacerbations often require short courses of oral corticosteroids to reduce
inflammation and antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected. LABAs and inhaled
corticosteroids are used for maintenance, not acute exacerbations.
The most cost-effective treatment for two or three impetigo lesions on the face is:
A) Oral antibiotics for 7 days
B) Topical mupirocin ointment
C) Intravenous antibiotics
D) Topical corticosteroids
Correct Answer: B) Topical mupirocin ointment
Explanation: For localized impetigo (e.g., two or three lesions), topical mupirocin is the most
cost-effective and appropriate treatment. It targets the bacterial infection directly, avoiding the
need for systemic antibiotics or more expensive therapies.
A 42-year-old African American has moderate persistent asthma. Which of the following
asthma medications should be used cautiously, if at all?
A) Inhaled corticosteroids
B) Long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs)
C) Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs)